New York Conservatory of Dance Celebrates 33rd Season With Free Dance Classes

New York Conservatory of Dance, the ballet studio that honed the talents of many of the country's icons of dance celebrates its 33rd Anniversary of teaching classic ballet on Saturday, October 2nd. To mark the occasion, the school will offer a day of free classes at their midtown studio (30 East 31st Street) on Saturday, October 2nd.

In the age of many contemporary styles of dance, NYCOD remains true to its traditional ballet roots -- combining both exemplary classic ballet training at an affordable dance class fee. The New York Conservatory of Dance, founded in 1977, focuses exclusively to teaching "classic ballet."

"It seems almost impossible to imagine that it's been 33 years since we opened the school --- the years have flown by. Thirty years ago my husband wrote, 'Dance which is now recognized as a major art, should be obligatory in every school curriculum. Aesthetically, it helps us to better understand sculpture, painting, drama, and music, for it contains all these art forms. In addition, dance is a coordination of movement and a discipline for the reflexes, which are so important to physical health and natural development of the mind'," stated NYCOD executive director Patricia Heyes Dokoudovky.

Founded in 1977 by Vladimir Dokoudovsky, New York Conservatory of Dance has been a Manhattan institution for classic ballet. For over thirty years, the school has offered classes to more than three thousand students - many of whom have gone on to successful theatrical careers. Elisa Monte, Liliane Montevecchi, Istvan Rabovsky, Valerie Harper, and Lesley Ann Warren are among the many who have studied with Vladimir Dokoudovsky.

Vladimir Dokoudovsky began his professional career in 1934 as a soloist for Opera De Monte Carlo. He was principal dancer with Colonel de Basil's Ballet Russes de Monte Carlo, and danced as a guest performer with the Danish Royal Ballet, as well as the National Polish Ballet. As a choreographer, he's worked with Ballet Arts, Des Moines Ballet and Kansas City Ballet. Before he opened New York Conservatory of Dance, Dokoudovsky taught at Carnegie Hall and American Ballet Theatre.

Patricia Heyes Dokoudovky danced with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet as a principal and soloist for over 20 years, beginning in 1960, dancing in such famed operas as La Traviata, Aida, and Faust, and the ballet, Les Sylphides, restaged by Alicia Markova. In 1977, she opened New York Conservatory of Dance with her husband Vladimir Dokoudovsky.

"In this economy, however, we need additional financial help to establish an endowment fund so as to keep our school open and available for future generations of dancers," continued Patricia Heyes Dokoudovky. "One thing is certain: God willing, we will keep on dancing!"

The Dokoudovsky New York Conservatory of Dance is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation and gratefully accepts donations and grants. Located at 30 East 31st Street, 2nd Floor (between Madison and Park Avenue South), The Conservatory can be reached at 212-725-2855 / E-mail: nycod@earthlink.net

For those students interested in joining the celebration on Saturday, October 2nd, please call 212-725-2855 or email nycod@earthlink.net for further details and to reserve a spot - space is limited!